The average American produces 3.5 pounds of garbage every day. This equates to 1,300 pounds of garbage per year for every man, woman and child in the U.S. By the year 2000, the annual trash burden is expected to grow to 192.7 million tons. And we're running out of places to put that garbage. Sodexho is committed to working together with our customers, clients and manufacturers to reduce that waste and to build a better environment for ourselves and our future generations.

Our most successful and generous support comes with our national Recycle Mug program. Not only does use of this mug substantially reduce waste, but every sale of the mug directly benefits the health of our nation's fish and wildlife and their respective habitats. We market this Recycle Mug program to colleges and universities across North America in partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

"The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation relies upon public and private support to fund conservation projects. We applaud Sodexho and those who have purchased the Recycle Mug for becoming active partners in our conservation efforts," said Amos Eno, Executive Director of the Foundation.

"Purchasing a Recycle Mug takes just a minute, but the funds raised through each sale support projects that will preserve and protect the environment for years to come. Sodexho's Recycle Mug program is an exemplary partnership because it facilitates the involvement of many individuals in environmental protection and provides the seed money necessary for conservation projects across the country."

Our Manufacturing Partners
Sodexho has been an active member of industry coalitions which encourage legislators, manufacturers and consumers to jointly develop rational, not reactionary, strategies to today's environmental needs. We select our manufacturing partners watchfully. Fort Howard, our largest contracted supplier of paper, napkins, tissue and towels, uses recycled fiber exclusively in the manufacturing process. Mobil Chemical, our primary contracted source for plastic can liners, uses from 30% to 90% recycled materials in their plastic liners.

Sweetheart Cup, Solo Cup, Amoco, Dart and Mobil all use pre-recycled material in the manufacture of foam plates, bowls and food containers. Sodexho will continue to form alliances with business organizations that are ecologically sound and responsible. We will continue to work with consumer organizations, governmental agencies and industry groups to implement new strategies and tactics as they evolve. We will actively participate in the long-range planning process at the local and national levels to ensure that our environment and economy are protected for future generations to come.

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Environmental Awareness Policy
Sodexho's Environmental Action Program is complex and multifaceted, offering solid information and tools to make our customers, clients, employees, and society at large aware of environmental problems and how they can help. This is a "living program" with an open-door policy: We will add to, amend, update and keep our programs current through publications, posters, newsletters and similar marketing and communication materials. Our program will be enhanced as new information is discovered and as we hear suggestions from our customers and clients.The following are key steps we follow to maximizing the impact we can make with our environmental programs:

1. Use a Waste Stream Audit to identify the key campus opportunities.
2. Review the audit summary with our customers and ask for your direction.
3. Solicit campus support. Develop an action plan to focus on the initial issues.
4. Draw together a task force of interested parties and delegate tasks.
5. Meet with the task force and review progress as necessary.
6. Support the objectives of the task force as needed.

How You Can Help...
You can help us help the environment in a number of ways:

1. Take only the number of napkins you need per meal.
2. Take only one cup for each beverage purchase.
3. Use paper bags for carryout, where provided.
4. Join our Recycle Mug Program or bring your own mug from home for beverage purchases.
5. Recycle aluminum cans throughout campus at the designated recycling stations as well as at home.
6. Dine in rather than carrying out.
7. Get involved with your school and the Food Service Recycling Program.

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